Palancar Reef
Quintana Roo — Cozumel, Mexico
ReefWallBoatDriftIntermediate
About this site
Palancar is a sprawling reef system inside the Cozumel Reefs National Park, famed for towering coral pinnacles, swim-throughs and caves. Sites such as Palancar Gardens, Horseshoe and Caves offer drifts along massive buttresses with exceptional visibility. Look for the endemic splendid toadfish, hawksbill turtles, nurse sharks and spotted eagle rays.
Access & safety: Drift dives from boats only; currents can be brisk. A national park fee applies. Gloves and touching the reef are prohibited.
